Broadway's My Beat: The Lt. Jimmy Hunt Murder Case (EP4565)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Broadway's My Beat: The Lt. Jimmy Hunt Murder Case (EP4565)
Release Date: December 4, 2024
Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Broadway's My Beat, part of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio series hosted by Adam Graham, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio to unravel the mysterious death of Lieutenant Jimmy Hunt. Set against the vibrant yet perilous backdrop of Broadway, Detective Danny Clover delves deep into a case that blurs the lines between suicide and murder, uncovering secrets that threaten to destabilize the lives of those closest to Hunt.

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Plot Overview

Lieutenant Jimmy Hunt's Death: The episode opens with Detective Danny Clover receiving a call about Lieutenant Jimmy Hunt's death at St. Anthony's Hospital. Initially deemed a suicide by Sister Angela and Father Flaherty, Jimmy's death raises suspicions for Clover. The manner of death—a stabbing with a steak knife—contradicts the typical narrative of suicide, prompting Clover to investigate further.

Investigating Virginia Scott: Clover's first significant lead is Virginia Scott, a woman deeply connected to Jimmy. During their conversation at her apartment (Timestamp [07:09]), Virginia reveals the depth of her relationship with Hunt, asserting, “Jimmy was brave. He was kind and innocent” ([07:22]). Her emotional turmoil and mysterious references to letters—claimed to be love letters but seemingly missing—raise red flags for Clover.

Confrontation with Mickey Bianco: Clover's investigation takes him to Mickey Bianco's pool room (Timestamp [09:46]). Mickey, a former soldier and colleague of Hunt, initially denies involvement but eventually taunts Clover with cryptic remarks: “Jimmy Hunt, dead. Lieutenant James Hunt, a civilian casualty” ([10:02]). His evasive behavior and sardonic comments hint at a deeper connection to Hunt's demise.

Sergeant Tartaglia's Revelation: Back at headquarters, Sergeant Tartaglia informs Clover that Fred Owen, the hospital attendant, has confessed to Jimmy's murder (Timestamp [17:38]). This confession leads Clover to confront Owen, uncovering a convoluted web of guilt and remorse. Owen's admission—“I killed him. It was my fault that Jimmy's dead” ([18:19])- reveals the tragic culmination of compounded traumas from war.

Madge Taylor's Testimony: Further investigation leads Clover to Madge Taylor (Timestamp [20:28]), who unveils her vendetta against Hunt. Madge, grappling with her own tragic loss at the hands of Hunt, exposes the Lieutenant’s manipulative and cruel nature: “He thought Vietnam was dandy. Kids should be killed” ([21:37]). Her testimony solidifies the narrative of Hunt as a flawed and malevolent figure.

Father Flaherty's Confession: In a shocking twist, Father Flaherty—Virginia Scott’s father—confesses his own motive for disliking Hunt (Timestamp [23:03]). He reveals a deep-seated resentment stemming from Hunt's perceived arrogance and his detrimental influence on Virginia: “I hated that boy. Hated him for what he was” ([23:33]). His confession adds layers to the complexity of relationships surrounding Hunt’s death.

Final Confrontation with Fred Owen: The climax unfolds as Clover revisits Fred Owen (Timestamp [26:03]). Owen exposes the emotional manipulation behind Hunt's death: “Virginia's very clever. She wrote those letters to Jimmy, but she knew I'd get them” ([27:43]). The encounter culminates in Owen's tragic realization of his actions and their irreversible consequences, leading to a poignant end where he implores for help: “Help me” ([28:53]).

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Key Characters

• Danny Clover (Detective): The determined and empathetic detective unraveling the mystery behind Jimmy Hunt's death.

• Virginia Scott: Jimmy Hunt’s partner, whose emotional depth and mysterious past play a pivotal role in the investigation.

• Fred Owen (Hospital Attendant): Initially implicated as the murderer, his confession reveals layers of guilt tied to his care for Hunt.

• Madge Taylor: A woman with a personal vendetta against Hunt, providing crucial insights into his character.

• Father Flaherty: Virginia Scott’s father, whose hidden motives add complexity to the case.

• Sergeant Tartaglia: Clover's colleague, assisting in piecing together the investigation.

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Notable Discussions and Insights

Mental Health and War Trauma: The episode delves into the psychological scars left by war, particularly through Fred Owen’s character. Owen’s inability to cope with Hunt’s torment reflects the broader theme of mental health struggles faced by veterans.

Manipulation and Deception: Virginia Scott's strategic manipulation of letters and her concealed motives highlight the pervasive deception within personal relationships and its impact on the investigation.

Morality and Justice: Clover’s unwavering pursuit of truth, despite emotional and moral complexities, underscores the themes of justice and the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement.

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Notable Quotes

• Sister Angela ([04:03]): “Jimmy had been a soldier. He fought in a war and he was having trouble forgetting about it.”

• Virginia Scott ([07:14]): “Jimmy was brave. He was kind and innocent. He was my child and my love.”

• Mickey Bianco ([10:18]): “Jimmy Hunt, dead. Lieutenant James Hunt, a civilian casualty.”

• Madge Taylor ([21:22]): “I was in love once. With a kid. A soldier kid. My husband. Lieutenant Jimmy Hunt killed him. Killed me, too.”

• Father Flaherty ([23:33]): “I hated that boy. Hated him for what he was. For what he could do to people.”

• Fred Owen ([28:53]): “Help me.”

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Conclusions

Broadway's My Beat masterfully intertwines personal vendettas, psychological trauma, and the quest for justice, presenting a multifaceted investigation into Lieutenant Jimmy Hunt's death. Detective Danny Clover's relentless pursuit of the truth exposes the intricate web of relationships and hidden motives that ultimately lead to Owen's confession. The episode not only entertains with its classic detective narrative but also prompts listeners to reflect on themes of mental health, the aftermath of war, and the complexity of human emotions.

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Listener Feedback and Host Commentary

Host Adam Graham offers insightful reflections on the episode, highlighting the nuanced portrayal of mental health issues and the societal attitudes of the time. He acknowledges the standout performances and the effective use of period-specific dialogues that enrich the storytelling. Listener comments, such as Carlotta’s appreciation for increased support and ReinSir’s analysis of the theme song, further emphasize the podcast’s dedicated community and the depth of engagement it fosters.

Graham concludes by teasing future episodes and expressing gratitude to patrons like Murph, ensuring that The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio continues to deliver compelling narratives to its audience.

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Overall, this episode of Broadway's My Beat captivates listeners with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and timeless exploration of human frailties, making it a standout installment in the detective drama series.

Transcript

[Danny Clover]

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[Virginia Scott]

SA.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Broadway's My Bait. But before we get started, I do want to encourage you to follow the podcast if you're enjoying it. Today's program is also brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can send a donation via the zelle app to box13reatdetives.net to support us on a one time basis. And I want to thank John for supporting the program that way. And you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. And I want to thank Carlotta for increasing her support from the shalmas level of $4 or more per month to the detective sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support. Now from February 3, 1950, it's the Lieutenant Jimmy Hunt murder case.

[Danny Clover]

Broadway's My Beat From Times Square to Columbus Circle. The gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the.

[Larry Thor]

Broadway's My Beat With Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover.

[Danny Clover]

Broadway It's a mob and a big voice that darts from doorways and screams in your face then skirls off into the quiet streets. It's a panic in neon where misery and packaged pleasures are commodities sometime on installments. It's a place that dares you one way or another. It'll rock you to sleep. It's Broadway, My Beat. Early on a January morning you get up and turn on the heat against the cold of the day. Then there's coffee in the newspaper, the warming things to buffer your shivering at the thought of going out into your own world. I didn't have it that good. I didn't have time for the coffee and newspaper. A call came. It said get down to St. Anthony's Hospital. I did, and the nun at the information desk said, sister Angela was waiting for me right over there. Sister Angela?

[Sister Angela]

Yes, you're from the police.

[Danny Clover]

I'm Danny Clover. Headquarters said there was some trouble about a man dying.

[Sister Angela]

About Jimmy's dying. Jimmy Hunt? Please, this way.

[Danny Clover]

Jimmy was a patient here at the hospital?

[Sister Angela]

Yes.

[Danny Clover]

And he died. Then I don't see the police.

[Sister Angela]

I mean the manner in which he died, Mr. Clover. Father Flaherty said it must be reported to the police. Jimmy committed suicide With a steak knife off his food tray.

[Danny Clover]

I see. He was that sick?

[Sister Angela]

No. No, he wasn't, Mr. Clover. Jimmy had been a soldier. He fought in a war and he was having trouble forgetting about it. That's all that was wrong with Jimmy. This is the room. Oh, Father Flaherty. This is Mr. Clover, Father.

[Father Flaherty]

From the police, Mr. Clover. Suicide is always deplorable, Mr. Clover. And to attend death with the police, even more so.

[Danny Clover]

However, I understand, Father. This is Jimmy. He was found like this?

[Sister Angela]

Yes, the attendant found him.

[Father Flaherty]

Fred Owen. The attendant's name? Owen found him and called me.

[Danny Clover]

I'd like to talk with Fred Owen, Father.

[Father Flaherty]

Of course, Sister.

[Sister Angela]

I'm afraid that's impossible, Father. Fred must have gone home for the day. This finding Jimmy dead by a knife, it undoubtedly made him ill. Fred is a very sensitive boy.

[Danny Clover]

Shirley, did Jimmy have any visitors?

[Sister Angela]

Why, yes, I have them here, Mr. Clover. A list. I called to tell them of Jimmy.

[Danny Clover]

If you don't mind, Sister.

[Virginia Scott]

Yes. Here.

[Sister Angela]

I don't understand.

[Danny Clover]

Routine, Sister. Simply to complete a file.

[Father Flaherty]

Is that all, Mr. Clover?

[Danny Clover]

A few more things. I'll want the attendant's address.

[Virginia Scott]

Of course.

[Danny Clover]

And a question. Could anyone. Anyone at all? Attendant, visitors. Anybody? Could someone have come in here and murdered Jimmy?

[Sister Angela]

What are you saying?

[Danny Clover]

Please.

[Father Flaherty]

Yes, it could have been done, Mr. Clover. What are you getting at?

[Danny Clover]

Jimmy was stabbed in the side. Too close to his back to make him a suicide. Jimmy was murdered? You can say rights now, Father. The man who has slept on the beaches of death so many times is struck down finally in the ultimate screeching brutality of violence. In a non silent gentle hands, the whispered chant of a priest try to ease the pain of his journey into the shocking chasms of darkness. All a cop can do for the man is to find out why he had to die in this way. So the cop calls at the address of one named Fred Owen. Finds him not at home, hasn't been home, don't know when he'll come home. Then the cop sends out an all points bulletin on one named Fred Owen. Then the cop calls on the first of a murdered man's visitors. Listen. Who is it? It's Danny Clover of the police.

[Virginia Scott]

You're here about Jimmy. Please come in.

[Danny Clover]

The girl was slender, her face delicate, with an almost wistful expression. But it was her eyes, gray and soft, as if the color had been strained through gauze.

[Virginia Scott]

Please sit here.

[Danny Clover]

Thank you.

[Virginia Scott]

They called me from St Anthony's they told me about Jimmy, Mr. Clover. They told me.

[Danny Clover]

Then you're Virginia Scott.

[Virginia Scott]

Yes. I'm glad you came to me, Mr. Clover, because I can tell you things about him no one else knew, not even the doctors. I understand why he killed himself. Shall I tell you why?

[Danny Clover]

Jimmy didn't commit suicide, Ms. Scott. He was. He was murdered.

[Fred Owen]

Who?

[Virginia Scott]

Who would do that to my poor lost Jimmy?

[Danny Clover]

Jimmy Scott.

[Virginia Scott]

Jimmy was brave. He was kind and innocent. He was my child and my love. All he ever did wrong was to get lost.

[Danny Clover]

Will you help me find his murderer, Ms. Scott?

[Virginia Scott]

Yes. Yes.

[Danny Clover]

Who would kill him?

[Virginia Scott]

Who kills Mr. Claude? Who searches out a wounded? Why are there such people?

[Danny Clover]

How long have you known him?

[Virginia Scott]

We met at a dance. His company was going overseas. I didn't know anyone there, but Jimmy asked me to dance and I fell in love with him.

[Danny Clover]

He kept in touch with you every day?

[Virginia Scott]

We wrote each other every day.

[Danny Clover]

Did he ever mention anyone in his letters? Anyone who could.

[Virginia Scott]

Who hated him? Who wanted to kill him? Yes, Mr. Clover. All the nameless ones who had to kill other nameless men. He was a soldier, Virginia. I don't try to find words, Mr. Clover. The words that heal pain. Are there such? You can do one thing for me, though.

[Danny Clover]

Anything.

[Virginia Scott]

The letters I wrote Jimmy in the hospital. They were love letters. Every day I couldn't visit him, I wrote him one. May I have them letters?

[Danny Clover]

There weren't any.

[Virginia Scott]

What? But they were all I could ever give Jimmy. I know he'd keep them. They have to be there.

[Danny Clover]

I'll find them. Virginia. I only ask this. I know you'll understand. Why didn't you marry Jimmy?

[Virginia Scott]

Why? Why burden him with more? Didn't you notice, Mr. Clover? I'm blind.

[Danny Clover]

She said it gently and smiled and offered me her hand. Then I left. Then I found a crowd and walked into it and stuck with it. That way I could clutter my mind up with other faces. After a while, I put my hand in my pocket and took out a piece of paper. It had names on it and addresses. Under Virginia Scott's was a man's name, Mickey Bianco. The address was a pool room on 16th street off 8th Avenue. Where do I find Mickey Bianco?

[Mickey Bianco]

You're in my way.

[Danny Clover]

Oh, sorry. Hey, nice shot. You should Play for money.

[Mickey Bianco]

I'm Mickey Bianco, mister.

[Danny Clover]

You know Jimmy Hunt.

[Mickey Bianco]

You like that shot?

[Danny Clover]

I'm quivering with excitement. Where'd you know him from? The army.

[Mickey Bianco]

Yeah, the army. Where I picked up an eight ball and parlayed it into a two table pool room.

[Danny Clover]

About Jimmy Hunt. I'm from the police. Huh.

[Mickey Bianco]

What about Jimmy Hunt? What do you want about him?

[Danny Clover]

Did you kill him?

[Mickey Bianco]

Oh, he did.

[Larry Thor]

Dead.

[Danny Clover]

Huh?

[Mickey Bianco]

Jimmy Hunt, dead. Lieutenant James Hunt, a civilian casualty. Hip, hip, hooray.

[Danny Clover]

Makes you patriotic.

[Mickey Bianco]

Yeah, like the lieutenant Hunt taught me. Be patriotic. Point yourself forward at the enemy when you die.

[Danny Clover]

Man.

[Mickey Bianco]

He said to us. And he meant it.

[Danny Clover]

You were in his outfit?

[Mickey Bianco]

Sure, his platoon. We were murdered being patriotic at Eniwetok. But not the lieutenant. And not me either. Ah, everybody else, but not us. Fortune's a war.

[Danny Clover]

Did you visit him at the hospital?

[Mickey Bianco]

It was my pleasure, believe me. Oh, don't pat me on the back for going to see my old lieutenant. You know why I went? I made him feel worse. I reminded him about what he did to his platoon and that it'd make him pull his knees up to his chest. I like to watch.

[Danny Clover]

Yeah. Did you see any letters just lying around the room? Letters addressed to Jimmy when you visited him?

[Mickey Bianco]

Letters? What letters? Uh, but that other question. Did I kill Jimmy? You know, I should have thought of doing it, but I didn't. Hand me the chalk, policeman.

[Danny Clover]

The shaded lamp that hung over the pool table gouged a cone of saffron light out of the shadows. And trapped in the twist of light were frayed banners of smoke and whispers and aimless dust. The silhouetted outline of Bianco's face and hands. Then the sharp click of wood on ivory. The pleased titter spilling out of Bianco's mouth. And this, too, can be the requiem for a dead man. It stayed with me all the way to headquarters, where a report was to be filed, where questions were to be asked. And questions you ask of Sergeant Tartaglia. Sometimes he has answers.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

The answer to that one isn't a positive negative. Danny.

[Danny Clover]

Be kind to me. Tartaglia. Sometimes I don't understand things. What is a positive? Negative?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Oh, easy. Positively. We have found no trace of Fred Owen. The reports from the boys looking for Fred Owen are negative. This makes valid the use of the double. The double?

[Danny Clover]

Yeah. What about the letters? The letters Virginia Scott wrote to the boy in the hospital. Have you found them?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Oh, no, Danny.

[Danny Clover]

No.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

No, we haven't found the letters. We searched the effects of the deceased. We checked with Sister Angela with Father Flaherty. No letters. Does it make a difference?

[Sister Angela]

Danny?

[Danny Clover]

Danny Clover speaking.

[Virginia Scott]

Mr. Clover, I'm sorry to bother you.

[Danny Clover]

I told you anytime.

[Virginia Scott]

Virginia, Something strange has happened. A phone call just came and a voice said I would die.

[Danny Clover]

What?

[Virginia Scott]

It said if I didn't want to die, I'd better get some protection. What does it mean, Mr. Clover?

[Danny Clover]

It means lock the door and bolt the windows. I'm coming right down. Danny, get a squad car to Taglia. Don't stand there. Get it. It's me, Virginia. Open the door.

[Virginia Scott]

You came so quickly, Mr. Clover.

[Danny Clover]

Has anyone.

[Virginia Scott]

No, there's been no one. I've just been sitting here listening to the sounds of the street. You know, Mr. Clover, when night falls, it has a sound. Shall I turn on the light?

[Danny Clover]

No. Is there any other entrance to this apartment?

[Virginia Scott]

Yes, the kitchen. It has a door, opens onto the hallway.

[Danny Clover]

Is it locked?

[Virginia Scott]

Yes. You told me, Mr. Glover.

[Danny Clover]

I'll unlock it.

[Virginia Scott]

What?

[Danny Clover]

It'll be all right, Virginia. We'll leave this one open, too. Where were you sitting?

[Virginia Scott]

Over here, near the window.

[Danny Clover]

Sit there now. I'll stand over here.

[Virginia Scott]

Why would anyone want to kill me, Mr. Clover?

[Danny Clover]

I don't know. Maybe because you're all that's left of Jimmy.

[Virginia Scott]

If they want to kill me, why did they tell me to get protection? It doesn't seem logical, does it?

[Danny Clover]

Maybe it's not.

[Fred Owen]

Shh.

[Virginia Scott]

I hear someone. Mr. Clover.

[Danny Clover]

Don't move.

[Virginia Scott]

Mr. Clover. He's heading for the fire escape at the back. Mr. Clover. I can tell by the sound you'll.

[Danny Clover]

Have to come with me. Virginia. I can't leave you here.

[Virginia Scott]

Just hold my hand.

[Danny Clover]

There he is, down at the bottom of the fire escape.

[Virginia Scott]

He got away, didn't he, Mr. Clover? In a car. He got away?

[Danny Clover]

Yes, Virginia, he got away.

[Virginia Scott]

Give me your hand, Mr. Clover. Suddenly it's darker than it's.

[Larry Thor]

You are listening to Broadway's My Beat, written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. CBS invites you to HEAR Senator Brian McMahon on the Capitol Cloakroom over most of these same CBS stations later tonight. Senator McMahon is chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy, and when he is interviewed tonight by CBS newsman Eric Severide, Bill Schedel, and Griffin Bancroft. This will be the first detailed discussion of the hydrogen bomb and its implications by a high government official since President Truman's historic announcement earlier this week. That CBS Capitol cloakroom later tonight.

[Danny Clover]

There's this about Broadway. It has a bag full of free illusions in every color, every size, guaranteed against fading. Warranted. Against shrinkage. Want an illusion, kid? Just reach in the bag. There's more where that one came from. There's the illusion that Broadway can break its heart. And here's one in the classy all plastic 1950 model laboratory testing the illusion that Broadway can shed a tear. That's the one you'll want for the murder of a sick soldier boy. For the girl of his heart. Ness dreams the song of a girl with sightless eyes. Hug it close to you, kid, because it's fragile.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Benny. Benny. What's the matter, Benny? You look sick. No, well, it's something different from sick. Hey, Danny, can I get you a glass of water or something?

[Danny Clover]

What, do you want to attack Danny?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

I just want. You shouldn't look like that.

[Danny Clover]

What else do you want to tag?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Ah, now, Danny, don't be like that. I know how upset you are. Because of the boy? Because of how they tried to kill that blind girl. I don't figure it, Danny. If they wanted to kill her, why did they tell her to get protection?

[Danny Clover]

Maybe it wasn't her they wanted to kill.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

No. Then that means it was Danny. I got it. The killer set it up that way because it was you he wanted to kill. Hey, Danny, we gotta do something.

[Danny Clover]

Hand for the phone to Taglia.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

What? Oh. Oh, yeah, Danny. Yeah, Danny Clover's office. Sergeant Tartaglia speaking. What? Yeah, yeah, right away.

[Danny Clover]

Danny, what was it?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

That was Dan Doburn, desk sergeant, the 29th Precinct. They got Fred Owen. He gave himself up. He's confessed to the murder of Jimmy Hunt. Hey, Danny. Take your overcoat. You catch your Dr. Cole?

[Danny Clover]

Fred Owen. You killed a man. Home. You killed Jimmy Hunt. Why?

[Fred Owen]

Killed him?

[Danny Clover]

Tell me about it. That's why you came here, wasn't it? You want to tell someone about it? Tell me. I'm Danny Clover. I'm a policeman.

[Fred Owen]

I'll tell you. You're a policeman. You'll make me suffer for what I did to Jimmy. I killed him and I've got to suffer for it. I've got to feel what Jimmy felt.

[Danny Clover]

I'll take it easy, Owen. Just tell me how you did it.

[Fred Owen]

With a knife.

[Danny Clover]

With a knife.

[Fred Owen]

Go ahead, Mr. Clover. Did it hurt him much?

[Danny Clover]

I don't think so.

[Fred Owen]

I cut up his food for him so he could feed himself, so he wouldn't have to use a knife. The doctor always warned me not to let Jimmy use a knife. You see, the doctor was afraid that Jimmy. That Jimmy would do what he did to him.

[Danny Clover]

Huh? What did he do, Owen?

[Fred Owen]

I was feeding Him. And then I suddenly remembered something I had to do.

[Danny Clover]

Yeah? What?

[Fred Owen]

Something I forgot. It wouldn't have happened. It didn't have to happen.

[Danny Clover]

Then you remembered. Is that when you stabbed him?

[Fred Owen]

As if it had been with my own hand. You see, Jimmy. Jimmy liked me to read to him.

[Danny Clover]

While he was eating.

[Fred Owen]

And I forgot to bring a book, and so I left to get it. I left Jimmy with the nut.

[Danny Clover]

Are you trying to tell me that Jimmy killed himself when you left him alone with a knife.

[Fred Owen]

As if it had been with my own hands. I killed him. It was my fault that Jimmy's dead. My fault. I killed him as surely as if I plunged the knife into him.

[Danny Clover]

I tried to break through the wall of tears he'd built around himself, but it was no good. I tried to ask him about Virginia's letters. He didn't know anything about them, he said. And it was another lash of the whip he held over himself. I finally broke his heart by releasing him from the dismal, bitter shadows of the cell he'd begged for. Then I took a long walk in the cold, unspoiled air. Then I knew I had to get back to it. The third name on the visitors list was Madge Taylor, whose address was a brownstone between other Brownstones on West 15. I climbed the steps that led to its doors with the cracked stained glass.

[Madge Taylor]

Hey, man. Looking for someone?

[Danny Clover]

Yeah. Madge Taylor. Is she here?

[Madge Taylor]

Come in, man. Come in.

[Danny Clover]

You want me to freeze your match, Taylor?

[Madge Taylor]

Yeah, right in there. What, the old battle ax that runs his flat? Don't know. Won't hurt her anyway. It's cuddlier with the door closed, huh? Man, such a nasty draft in that hallway.

[Danny Clover]

Madge, I'm Danny Clover. The police, huh?

[Madge Taylor]

Let's have a drink on it, shall we?

[Danny Clover]

Danny, they told me you visited a man in the hospital. A man named Jimmy Hunt. Friend of yours? It's funny what I said.

[Sister Angela]

It kills me. I thought you were.

[Madge Taylor]

All you want to know is, did I murder Jimmy Hunt? Isn't that it?

[Danny Clover]

Why did you visit him?

[Madge Taylor]

I'll tell you why. You see me how I am. Charge it up to Jimmy Hunt. Send him the bill.

[Danny Clover]

You were in love with Jimmy Hunt?

[Madge Taylor]

The lieutenant? The wonder boy with the loose marbles? Are you kidding? I never saw him in my life till I found out he was brain sick in that hospital.

[Danny Clover]

I don't.

[Madge Taylor]

I'll draw you a diagram. I was in love once. With a kid. A soldier kid. My husband. Lieutenant Jimmy Hunt killed him. Killed me, too. At the same time. Because the lieutenant thought it was dandy. Kids should be killed. This the lieutenant liked. You still want to know why I visited him?

[Danny Clover]

No. No, Madge, I've heard it. Once. When you saw him. Did he have any letters?

[Madge Taylor]

How would I know? All I care about Jimmy Hunt was that he should die slow. Slow a long time, Diane.

[Danny Clover]

Yeah. Stick around, Mads. Don't go away.

[Madge Taylor]

You out of your mind? I love it here. I never had it so good. It's a free ride on a roller coaster, man.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Hi, Danny. Hey, I got news for you.

[Danny Clover]

Yeah, what is it?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

There's a guy in your office waiting for you.

[Danny Clover]

Who is he?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Name Scott. Says he has a daughter named Virginia Scott. Hey, ain't that the girl, Danny?

[Danny Clover]

Your name's Scott?

[Father Flaherty]

It is. And you're Danny Clover. Virginia described it to me. Well, don't look surprised, Mr. Clover. My daughter is a perceptive girl.

[Danny Clover]

Nothing about Virginia surprises me, Mr. Scott, except the fact that she has a father. I didn't know that before.

[Father Flaherty]

Because Virginia didn't want you to know.

[Danny Clover]

She'd have a reason for that, Mr. Scott.

[Father Flaherty]

It's all bound up with the kind of person she is. Her love for people who love her. The reason why she insisted on living alone without me. The reason why she didn't want me mixed up in this affair.

[Danny Clover]

She thinks you had a motive for killing Jimmy.

[Father Flaherty]

She knows I did. That's why I'm here. Perhaps you'd never have found out. But that's why I'm here. To tell you I had a motive for killing Jimmy.

[Danny Clover]

Which was what?

[Father Flaherty]

I hated that boy. Hated him for what he was. For what he could do to people. His arrogance, his snobbishness, the play acting he did to cover his cowardice by his very existence. Jimmy Hunt was a liar.

[Danny Clover]

Mostly. You resented his making love to your daughter.

[Father Flaherty]

Yes. My daughter is blind. Whatever she can do on her own, sew, cook, turn on lights, dial a telephone, it doesn't alter the fact Virginia is blind. It's her burden. She didn't deserve another awful one like Jimmy Hunt. A sick boy who willed himself sick.

[Danny Clover]

Virginia knew you felt this way.

[Father Flaherty]

She knew I was prepared to kill Jimmy that very day.

[Danny Clover]

But you didn't. Is that what you were telling me?

[Father Flaherty]

That very day? I went to the ward to kill him. That's what was on my mind to do. But an attendant saw me, asked me my business there. When I couldn't answer him properly, he made me leave. No, I didn't kill Jimmy. But there's this. There's what I'm glad, he said.

[Danny Clover]

He got up and walked away, and I let him. But because I'm a cop, I had a man follow him. And because I'm a cop, I had to check on his story, whether he had actually left the war. The morning Jimmy Hunt was killed, that meant I had to talk to Fred Owen, the attendant. I called the hospital and they told me Owen hadn't showed up. And as far as they knew, he was home. So that's where I went too. To the home of Fred Owen. His landlady was a kind woman.

[Sister Angela]

Fred will be right back, Mr. Clover. Would you like to wait in his room?

[Danny Clover]

Yes, please.

[Sister Angela]

Next room down on your right.

[Danny Clover]

Thanks. I'll find my way.

[Sister Angela]

Wait, wait. I'll go with you. Turn on the. Sometimes it gets cold here in Fred's room. Can't understand it. A nice gas fireplace like this. And Fred likes to sit here in the cold.

[Danny Clover]

There.

[Sister Angela]

Don't that make a nice fire?

[Danny Clover]

Yeah, cozy. Yeah, this is a real cozy room.

[Sister Angela]

Now, Fred decorated it himself. I allow him to hang pictures. Lots of landladies don't allow hanging pictures.

[Danny Clover]

Nice pictures. All girls.

[Sister Angela]

It's man's privilege.

[Danny Clover]

Girls with veils over their eyes, girls with their eyes closed. Sightless girls.

[Sister Angela]

Yeah. And here's one with a man on it with a girl holding his hands over her eyes like he's gonna surprise her. Fred. Oh, hello, Fred. I was just telling.

[Fred Owen]

I'm happy you're here, Mr. Clover. I'll make some coffee.

[Danny Clover]

Thanks, but I don't care for any.

[Father Flaherty]

Fred.

[Sister Angela]

I'll just leave you two gentlemen alone. I know how gentlemen like to talk, sometimes without ladies.

[Fred Owen]

You like my room, Mr. Clover?

[Danny Clover]

I was just admiring your pictures.

[Fred Owen]

Yeah, I like them too.

[Danny Clover]

But all these girls, their eyes covered, they can't see you.

[Fred Owen]

I know some men hang pictures of girls. Well, you know, because that's the kind of men they are.

[Danny Clover]

What kind are you, Fred?

[Fred Owen]

I'm an ugly kind of man. My face, I mean. I know I am. Girls never look at me on the street. Even when I stare at them and set my mind that they should look at me, I look away, even when I talk to them.

[Danny Clover]

Virginia doesn't, does she?

[Fred Owen]

No. Oh, no. When she comes to the hospital and I say good morning to her, she smiles and talks right to me.

[Danny Clover]

Once she doesn't come to the hospital. She writes you, doesn't she, Fred?

[Fred Owen]

Oh, yes, of course she does. Because she loves me. Maybe you don't believe that, Mr. Clover, but I'll show you. Here, this will show you that she Loves me? Her letters to me.

[Danny Clover]

Go ahead, take one of them out.

[Fred Owen]

Of the envelope and read it. I'm not ashamed of our love.

[Danny Clover]

Yeah, she loves you all right, Fred. But look. Look at this.

[Fred Owen]

Yeah.

[Danny Clover]

You've crossed Jimmy's name out wherever it's mentioned and written in your own.

[Fred Owen]

Well, of course I did. Don't you see? Virginia's very clever. She wrote those letters to Jimmy, but she knew I'd get them. I knew Virginia wanted it like that. And Jimmy. Jimmy was sick, you know. He thought Virginia really meant them for him.

[Danny Clover]

So you stabbed him. You really did kill him, didn't you? Oh, I had to.

[Fred Owen]

He was getting worse and worse about Virginia all the time.

[Danny Clover]

Why didn't you tell me that when I talked to you in the cell, Fred?

[Fred Owen]

Because I'm clever, too.

[Danny Clover]

Yes, you are. That was a clever trap you set for me in Virginia's apartment.

[Fred Owen]

No, you're wrong. I wasn't clever. Then you got away.

[Danny Clover]

Put down that knife, Fred.

[Fred Owen]

It won't hurt Mr. Clover. It didn't hurt Jimmy. You said it didn't. Now give me my letters. I don't want blood on Virginia's letters.

[Danny Clover]

Here are your letters, Fred.

[Adam Graham]

The letters.

[Danny Clover]

They threw them in the fire.

[Adam Graham]

The letters.

[Danny Clover]

Liberty. Help me. Help me get my letters with you.

[Adam Graham]

I can't touch this.

[Fred Owen]

Help me.

[Danny Clover]

Please help me. Will you help me? You need help, Fred. Only you need this first. He lay there, his body taut, as if unwilling to accept what was happening to him. His mouth hung open in disbelief and a spasm in his fingertips groped for the fireplace and the ashes of his letters. But the final, the complete rejection was in his eyes, open and staring at me, empty of passion, of insanity even Cold and empty, his eyes staring and sightless. Broadway's having itself a time it's cocky and it's needling people to step over the line it's making a big muscle and daring the nighttime before it's over it'll gouge chunks out of itself and laugh at its own agony It's Broadway the gaudiest, the most violent the lonesomest mile in the world Broadway My beat.

[Larry Thor]

Broadway's My Beat Stars Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover with Charles Calvert as Tartaglia. The musical score was composed and conducted by Alexander Courage, and the program was produced by Elliot Lewis and directed by Gordon T. Hugh. The cast tonight included Peggy Weber, Ted Von Else, Mary Jane Croft, Georgia Ellis, Jerry Hausner and Jack Edwards. He's a Jack, He's a knave when it comes to spending a nickel he's an ace in the business of making America laugh. And now he's a King of hearts. Yes, the name is Benny and this Sunday night, Jack Benny will formally be named America's King of Hearts for 1950. Mary, Dennis, Phil, Don and Rochester will be on hand. And no king ever had such a group of jokers. Join us on all of these CBS stations this Sunday for the Jack Benny Show. Joe Walters speaking. This is CBS where the Goldbergs are Every Saturday night, the Columbia Broadcasting.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back some really solid performances and some different characters than you would typically see in many old time radio drama. It does a good job, I think, exploring mental health for the time and certainly in dealing with the effects of it on war. Although of course the killer had some issues not related to that of his own. It also captured attitudes at the time and probably the one that most surprised me was the blind woman's father who thought that Lieutenant Hahn had made himself sick. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we start out with comment from Carlotta who writes, I've been a member for a while but I enjoy your every day so wanted to increase my donation. Thanks for what you are doing. Well, thank you so much Carlotta. And then on YouTube reinsur comments regarding the theme song. Like the show, the theme song is a mega hit from the big band era called I'll Take Manhattan. The first and most famous line is we'll turn Manhattan into an isle of Joy. Not exactly in keeping with Denny's description of Broadway. No it's not. And you can find some of the performances, early performances of I'll Take Manhattan with lyrics and it's a pretty light sweet song. It was in a Rogers and Hart either review or play. I think that Alexander Courage made some good choices in terms of the instrumentation and the arrangement to make it really work well for this series. I could see that particular song actually having been taken for a Homer series in but it wouldn't sound like it does on Broadway's My Beat. Alright, thanks once again Rein sir. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Murph. Patreon Supporter since February 2021. Currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support Murph and that will do it for today. We'll be back next Wednesday with another episode of Broadway's My Bait. But join us back here tomorrow for Mr. And Mrs. North where luck don't.

[Danny Clover]

Hand me that the tables are fixed. You know they are. Please don't make a sound. Don't make a scene. He says, my friend, you don't seem to understand. I'm going to kill you. No, Terry, wait. You shouldn't do that, Mr. Lawson. On account of any right for people to kill people.

[Mickey Bianco]

Is it, Mrs. Norton?

[Danny Clover]

No, it isn't. You keep out of this. But it ain't. Just suppose everybody went around killing everybody. Why, pretty soon there wouldn't be anybody left. And then where would you be? Please, Terry, give me a break. I'll give you a break all right, like he gave me at the tables.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

But if you're mad at the club.

[Danny Clover]

Mr. Lawson, you'd ought to rather shoot Mr. Fox instead of Mr. Klane on account of he owns the club. And on second thought, he hadn't ought to hit him either. Or kill him either, on account of you hadn't ordered to kill nobody. I told you to keep out of this. Now wait. Wait a minute.

[Mickey Bianco]

I resent your tone of voice.

[Danny Clover]

Look, if you want trouble too, you'll get it. Now look, don't point that gun at me.

[Sister Angela]

Look out, Weasel.

[Danny Clover]

Damn that gun.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13, reatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.